Back to School…

The words kids hate to hear, but makes parents jump for joy!  However, going back to school doesn’t have to be a complete death sentence, if your going back why not go back in style.  Check out some of these neat Back to School items:

Good Short Read-Anything You Want by Derek Sivers

I got this book recommendation from CraftMBA‘s blog.  As the summer comes to a close I’m getting my summer reading in.  Specifically targeting books that will help me think about my jewelry business in a different way.  I must say this book by Derek Sivers titled Anything You Want is very enlightening as well as an eye opener, and it’s a book you can finish in a few hours.  Here are some great points he made in his book-hopefully you’ll find them helpful:

1. No “yes.” Either “HELL YEAH!” or “no.”

That’s right if you’re not saying “Hell Yeah!” about something then your better off just saying “no.”  Makes sense right? I mean if you’re not excited about it then why say yes.  Just think of all the times you’ve said yes to something only to wish later on that you said no.  Put time and energy where you feel the most excitement.

2.  Proudly exclude people

We all know that we cannot please everyone, so don’t be afraid to exclude.  I remember when I just started out and was selling jewelry at this flea market and a lady walked up to my table and look at one of my quartz bangles and said “very nice” then she looked at the price tag and was like “$10?!!” she then said to me, with a look on her face as though she just swallowed a bottle of vinegar, “Don’t you think that’s too much?” I started to state my case that these are one of kind pieces , but I saved my breath and simply said, “Well maybe that bangle just isn’t for you.”  She was a little shocked at my reaction, but clearly she wasn’t my target market.  That was my last time setting up a table at that market.

3. “Like  you don’t need the money”

Ever come across a pushy vendor or salesperson?  It’s a complete turn off.  When you love what you do, that feeling is projected to a potential customers.  Sivers says “Set up your business like you don’t need the money, and it’ll likely come your way.”

4.  ”Little things make all the difference.”

We’ve heard it before, little things do make the difference.  Sivers mentions that people remember when you do something that makes them smile, they don’t care about your fancy “business model.”

These are just some of the highlights from the book that I thought were great.  It’s definitely a book that every entrepreneur should read, it’ll change the way you look at situations.

Jewelry Feature of the Week:

Tribal Statement Necklace

JEWELRY FEATURE OF THE WEEK–ON SALE (price marked)
This multicolor tribal necklace is a standalone masterpiece. African inspired, combos of various colors beads and brown tones will accent any neutral outfit. From white and green pearls to Czech glass beads and crystal embedded silver pieces the jewelry piece will stand out when you wear it. Components of this necklace were derived from vintage pieces as well as upcycled jewelry to create this neckline art piece which suspends a dark brown pendant.

Pregnancy Portraits

Despite the aches and pains, I decided to capture the moment since it is a milestone for me.  Endless Smiles Photography did a great job at capturing monumental shots.  Check out the images from my pregnancy photo shoot! Just click on Folio then Maternity.

Jewelry Feature of the Week: Turquoise and White Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Turquoise and White Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Here’s our Jewerly Feature of the Week!  On sale now at our Etsy shop and as ususal FREE shipping!

Jewelry Tip of the Week: Cleaning Metal Jewelry

Before

After

Brass and copper are two of my favorite metals to work with.  I love creating jewelry designs with these metals.  One of the downfalls is that over a time they begin to change color and tarnish.  Like any other precious jewelry pieces, even your costume jewelry needs cleaning every now and then.  By cleaning them and storing them away properly you will help to preserve your jewels.  Here’s a simple cleaning solution that will make your copper and brass metal jewelry look as good as new and they can be found right in your kitchen and bathroom.

1 tsp. of salt

1/4 cup of white vinegar

1 pea size of toothpaste

soft cloth (terry cloth or old t-shirt)

Combine the salt and vinegar in a cup or shallow bowl and stir until salt dissolves. Drop copper or brass jewelry into solution and let sit anywhere from 2-5 minutes. Rinse jewelry with lukewarm water then dry and polish with cloth.  Drop a pea size of toothpaste onto your metal jewelry and use cloth to rub in toothpaste.  Rinse with lukewarm water and shine with cloth.

 

Jewelry Feature of the Week: Pink Quartz Pendant with Aqua Gold Necklace

Pink Quartz Pendant with Aqua Gold Necklace

Check out our jewelry feature of the week, on sale this week only!